Run With Us Blog

Rejoov Runners proudly hosted the official Six Foot Training Camp at Jenolan Caves 20-21st January 2018. Rejoov coaches Chris & Greta Truscott were thrilled to host a sensational group of runners & guest speakers. Runners were from various fabulous clubs and as far as Bathurst, Wollongong, Central Coast as well as Sydney.

Six foot happy campers on day 1 at jenolan caves about to head out on their run

Day 1 included an hour out and back run from the Six Foot Track race finish line, a refreshing waterhole dip then talks from leading run experts & a delicious buffet dinner. Talks included Alexander Craig from Camelbak, Peter Sweeney Body Mechanic physio, Roger Hanney from Hoka One One who brought along trail running shoes for us to test out and dietician, Georgie Moore. Thanks Tailwind Gavin Markey for your tubs and sachets to keep everyone hydrated all weekend.

Day 2's long run started at Deviation (35k mark) & went reverse along the course out & back up to 4hrs, building confidence & fitness like no other, being on the course itself.

Tailwind’s Community Spirit award went to Michael Rossendel for not only being friendly & taking part in all activities like all campers but also for helping Mark Kneebone with superb first aid after his fall on the long run today. He’s bounced back well and no one got lost woohoo.

The Six Foot Track (http://www.sixfoot.com) is a 45km trail stretching across the Blue Mountains from The Explorer's Marked Tree, near Katoomba, to Jenolan Caves. The marathon started in 1984 and follows the length of the entire trail. Every year since its inception, this event has grown and evolved into one of Australia’s premier events. So much so that it now only offers entry via ballot (Nov 27th) or pre-qualification.

"The caves are the most visited of several similar groups in the limestone caves of the country, and the most ancient discovered open caves in the world.[3][4] They include numerous Silurian marine fossils[5] and the calcite formations, sometimes pure white, are noted for their beauty.[6]The cave network follows the course of a subterranean section of the Jenolan River. It has more than 40 kilometres (25 mi) of multi-level passages and over 300 entrances. The complex is still being explored. The caves are a tourist destination, with eleven illuminated show caves open to paying visitors."

"In the mid-1880s, hotel keepers in Katoomba wanted to improve business by constructing a road to the Caves from their town, but the steep, rough ground between the caves and town was a major obstacle, and several attempts failed. However, representations were made to the Premier by Peter Fitzpatrick of Burragorang, who was connected to some mining operations near Katoomba. In April 1884, William Marshall Cooper, Surveyor of Public Parks for the State Government, was assigned the job, and worked out a horse-and-carriage track in a 10-day trek from Katoomba to the Caves. The route was, he remarked, 26.5 miles from the Western Hotel in Katoomba. "... Anyone accustomed to walking can do it comfortably in 12 hours... when the proposed horse track is completed, it will be a very enjoyable ride of five hours." It became known as the Six Foot Track.”

"Tourists visiting Jenolan Caves can stay at the heritage-listed Jenolan Caves House. It was designed in 1897 by government architect Walter Liberty Vernon as a resort or retreat for the wealthy. To cater for the expectations of the well-to-do, Vernon included a ballroom and grand dining room, now Chisolm's Restaurant. Chisolm's is open for dinner every day, serving modern Australian cuisine. Facilities include an hotel/motel complex, self-contained cottages, restaurant, bar, and cafe”.

First Six Foot race: "24th of March 1984, only seven people faced the starting gun, which was fired by Peter Quirk, the Blue Mountains City Mayor.”

You will be staying overnight in the very iconic Jenolan Caves House in shared or private accommodation, with buffet dinner and lunch included. You will gain access to most of the trail itself via our planned training run on Saturday and long run Sunday and you will be provided with invaluable advice and practical sessions around core strength, stretching, nutrition and generally what to expect on the big day.

Below is a profile of the course. Believe it or not, it’s officially a net downhill course although it does feel like you are running uphill most of the way. It is a tough event but very enjoyable at the same time. You need to be a runner to understand.

And below is an image of Caves House right down in the valley where you can explore the many caves on offer if you haven’t already had enough exercise.

Caves House - Jenolan Caves - The Finish Line!

Good luck for all your training and preparation. Email Chris & Greta if you need an online program or can attend the group sessions in Centennial Park Sydney.

We look forward to seeing the Rejoov orange and pink singlets flowing along the Six Foot Track. See you at the Finish Line at Jenolan Caves.